Transes gnaouas

Geared towards trance, this evening showcases the rich Gnaoua musical culture through two artists: Maâlem Abdelkébir Merchane, an iconic master of this ancestral art, and Hind Ennaira, a radiant female figure of the new generation.

Born in 1951 in Marrakech, Maâlem Abdelkébir Merchane is among the great custodians of the Gnaoua heritage. Initiated into the practice of the guembri (a traditional string instrument) from childhood, he carries on both the instrumental technique and the spiritual dimension of the tagnaouite. A recognised guardian of the tradition, he has for decades passed on the essence of this trance music, a living memory of sub-Saharan Africa and Morocco.

A native of Essaouira and self-taught, Hind Ennaira is one of the rare women to play the guembri. She is also a singer, and she brings fresh energy to Gnaoua music, giving it a feminine and inclusive dimension. Leading her own group, she gives this ancestral art a modern radiance, in Morocco and on the international stage.

Cast

Maâlem Abdelkébir Merchane, soloist, vocals, guembri

Hind Ennaira, soloist, vocals, guembri

Ait Mamastouda Abdeljabbar, vocals, krakeb

Oujana Houmade, vocals, krakeb

Yasine Ameur, vocals, krakeb

Said Fafy, vocals, krakeb

Najib Oubelkas, vocals, krakeb